Context:
In a problem ranking exercise that was conducted at the three villages of Tarani, Biatika and Magunga, land degradation was identified as a top priority problem. Land in all these three villages have been degraded over the years through small scale mining, which leave behind pits that were not filled back, dumping of used chemicals by small scale miners and over-population who flock to Buhemba either in search of gold, employment or petty business. Other causes of land degradation include poor farming techniques, poor animal husbandry practices and insufficient conservation knowledge and skills.

Through this project, BRAC will support local communities to restore fertility of their land through the following actions (i) promote conservation sensitive lifestyles through dissemination of conservation knowledge and skills (ii) Strengthen capacity of Village Environment Committees which oversee conservation agenda in their respective villages (iii) Promote use of solar lanterns to reduce application of firewood for lighting and (iv) Tree planting in degraded areas.

About the proponent:

Buhemba Rural Agricultural Centre (BRAC) is a rural development instrument of the Anglican Church in Mara diocese. It started operations in 1954. Its registration was authenticated in 1998. Its main objective is to support local communities in its areas of focus, which include environment conservation, sustainable agriculture, food security and gender equity. In 2006/2007, BRAC achieved standing ovation from the Nile Basin Microgrants Program after they supported a total of 15,000 people in water, agriculture, aquaculture, beekeeping and tree planting initiatives.

Project Objective:

To rehabilitate degraded land and reverse the trend of land degradation through community initiatives.

Implementation strategy

1. Disseminate conservation education and skills
2. Strengthen Village Environment Committees
3. Strengthen animation services
4. Establish tree nurseries to increase tree seedlings
5. Tree planting in degraded areas